Synthesis 2017; 49(04): 822-829
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1589476
short review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Chemo- and Regioselective Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols in Vicinal Diols

Niek N. H. M. Eisink
Chemical Biology, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands   Email: a.j.minnaard@rug.nl   Email: m.d.witte@rug.nl
,
Adriaan J. Minnaard*
Chemical Biology, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands   Email: a.j.minnaard@rug.nl   Email: m.d.witte@rug.nl
,
Martin D. Witte*
Chemical Biology, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands   Email: a.j.minnaard@rug.nl   Email: m.d.witte@rug.nl
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 09 November 2016

Accepted after revision: 21 December 2016

Publication Date:
09 January 2017 (online)


Abstract

Oxidation of secondary hydroxyl groups in vicinal diols enables the straightforward functionalization of biomolecules and biomaterials. The resulting hydroxy ketone can for example be used to form derivatives, such as the epimeric alcohol and imines, and it may be employed for chemical probe synthesis. Regioselectivity becomes an essential factor when this strategy is applied to compounds containing multiple hydroxyl groups, such as carbohydrates. Large advances have been made in this field in the past decade, which has led to the development of novel methodologies that enable selective oxidation of secondary hydroxyl groups of 1,2-diols in complex molecules which have complementary regioselectivities. We here discuss these recent advances as well as some of the limitations. Future research should focus on addressing these issues, which will eventually lead to methods for the chemo- and regioselective oxidation of complex oligosaccharides.

1 Introduction

2 General Methods To Oxidize Simple Vicinal Diols

3 Chelation-Controlled Oxidation

4 Applications

5 Conclusions and Future Directions